How can seniors remain out of care facilities longer? How can you remain closer to your parents without the expensive cost of finding a home near yours? The answer you’re looking for may be multigenerational dwelling—having your aging parents live with you. More people are entering old age than ever before, and because of this,

Haunted Eco-House, Palo Alto Friday, Oct. 31 – 4:30p-8:30pmJoin us for a fun time at the Eco House, now the Haunted Eco-House this Halloween! Next to the Lucie Stern Complex by the Girl Scout House, staff will be on-hand to tell the story behind the modular house, and giving away treats to trick-or-treaters and to

Grappling with their affordable housing crisis, the City of San Francisco is evaluating this pressing issue from many different angles. One unique solution is encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units (also commonly known as secondary dwelling or in-law units). Recently, the Board of Supervisors passed two pieces of legislation that now supports this type

Redwood City is working hard to make it easier for homeowners to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), encouraging public participation as they consider potential changes to current regulations. Based on public comment and input from Planning Commission and City Council from recent study sessions, staff is now considering the following recommendations: Allow the ADU

Once known as “Surf City” Santa Cruz is home to a moderate climate, the natural beauty of its coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings makes Santa Cruz an ideal place to pursue the tiny-living movement. As for regulations for the construction of second units/ accessory dwellings in Santa Cruz, they are classified

An unincorporated area of San Mateo County, the tiny town of Atherton has a major market for mansions. In fact, Atherton has been the most affluent zip code in the nation in the past and is home to Silicon Valley’s tech darlings like Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg and Google’s Eric Schmidt. By utilizing the expansive lots and existing infrastructure of their

What’s in YOUR backyard? Do you have an old garden, incessant blackberry bushes, or perhaps a chicken coop? Dennis’ mother was happy with their decision and although she wanted a cozy space and a rustic style, even the chickens didn’t care for the coop that had no chance of being repaired. Formerly a plant dealer

Menlo Park took this opportunity to meet their RHNA of 655 dwelling units by concurrently amending their ADU ordinance. Now it’s easier for residents to build a backyard cottage! Some of the adopted regulations include: Reducing the required interior side setback to five feet A maximum size of 640 square feet but may be built up

This 609 square foot tiny house fits two bedrooms comfortably. The house has level surfaces throughout, radiant floor heating, a living area fan, spray foam insulation in the roof and tile throughout. Universal design elements were incorporated to improve accessibility and comfort for the family. New Avenue started this project in October 2012 and completed it in February

Tour a 1,000 sq.ft. accessory dwelling under construction on Saturday, July 19th from 12-2pm in Santa Cruz. The drywall just went up, so it’s a perfect time to get a sense of the size and flow of a beautiful ADU, with all the finishes still up to your imagination! Kathleen and John are building this home